Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is defined as a mental condition in which a person's moods can alternate between levels of depression and manic highs which may last for days, weeks or even months. While many people suffering from the disease lead normal lives, early identification, methods of treatment and medications are essential to keeping the condition under control. Knowing what the condition is and signs of a bipolar symptom can help procure early treatment and enhance chances of maintaining a relatively normal lifestyle.

While everyone experiences periods of sadness or elation, someone who suffers from bipolar disorder takes these emotions to an extreme. The wild ups and downs experienced by some make it difficult to cope and can disrupt daily life and responsibilities. For example, a bipolar symptom can be something as innocuous as being so depressed one loathes the idea of even getting out of bed, while the next day, extreme happiness or energy is felt. Sometimes, this sense of euphoria can be dangerous, as when someone feels they can accomplish anything without endangering themselves. Irrational and ill-advised decisions can also disrupt personal and professional performance.

A bipolar symptom is difficult to pinpoint and diagnose because it can be fleeting. On other occasions, a period of depression or euphoria can last for days. Since that is often the case, many people don't recognize the depression as being something other than a brief bout of the blues, and are more than happy to see the elevation of mood following such an episode.

Different people may present a variety of signs and symptoms, which again, may seem relatively innocuous unless a pattern develops. Some of these common symptoms for the depressive aspect of the condition include, but are not limited to, changes in weight and appetite, sleeping habits, and self-perception as it relates to confidence and ability to perform tasks.

On the other end of the spectrum, during the manic phase, a person may exhibit an increased energy level and racing thoughts and a desire to always be moving or doing something. Easily distracted, a person may jump from one task to another without completing prior tasks.

Another bipolar symptom includes an increased desire to talk and a sense of self-confidence that may prove dangerous as the person begins to feel indestructible and may take risks and chances with finances, physical limitations and common sense judgment.

Most people who suffer from bipolar disorder don't realize they suffer from any bipolar symptom. Still others are too embarrassed to mention their erratic mood swings. It's important to remember that the proper diagnosis and treatment of the disease can make all the difference in the world.

Everyone has mood swings, but the bipolar mood swings mentioned above make life miserable for most sufferers of the disorder. The best thing someone can do is to keep track of such moods, their rate of occurrence and how long they last. Being proactive in understanding oneself or a loved one, and the ability to recognize a bipolar symptom is often the first step toward identifying and seeking treatment for bipolar disorders.